Find Academic Supervisors

Simon ThomasView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Pilgrimage Tourism
• Heritage Tourism
• Tourism Studies
• +3 more

Dr. Simon Thomas is a Senior Lecturer at the University of South Wales' South Wales Business School, specializing in Pilgrimage, Memorial & Tourism Studies. He leads the Doctor of Business Administration program and oversees the Tourism, Hospitality and Events Group. With a PhD in Pilgrimage Tourism (2013), he has extensive experience in doctoral supervision and external examining roles across UK institutions. Education: PhD Pilgrimage Tourism, University of South Wales (2013) MA Heritage Tourism, University of Wales Trinity College Carmarthen (2005) PgCert Education (Tourism), University of Wales Newport (2003) BA (Hons) Tourism & Leisure Management, University of Glamorgan (2001) Research Interests: Focused on pilgrimage tourism, heritage tourism innovation, and sustainable tourism development. His work bridges academic inquiry with practical applications, including a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with the Cardiff Story Museum rated 'outstanding' by the KTP Board. Key themes include secular pilgrimage dynamics, autoethnographic methodologies, and cultural identity in tourism. Publications: Over 20 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, including studies on Lourdes pilgrimage, Welsh heritage entrepreneurship, and thanatourism. Recent work explores NGO engagement strategies and digital tourism innovation. Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Outstanding KTP Board Rating (Cardiff Story Museum collaboration) 4* ABS Full Paper Award Advising & Grants: Supervised over 25 doctoral candidates across business and tourism disciplines. Active in external examining roles (e.g., Coventry University, Bishop Grossteste University) and curriculum design. Led projects funded by the Welsh Government and private sector partnerships. Labs & Teams: Research Lead for the Tourism, Hospitality and Events Group, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration on tourism policy, innovation, and cultural heritage.

Michelle DoasView profile

Associate Professor

• Medical-surgical nursing
• Cardio-thoracic nursing
• Nursing in Long Term Care settings
• +3 more

Michelle Doas is an Associate Professor of Nursing at Chatham University 's College of Health Sciences , where she has been actively contributing since 2007. Her expertise spans clinical nursing, education, and interdisciplinary research applications. Ed,D., MSN, BSN, RN Research Interests Dr. Doas focuses on critical thinking development in nursing education , adult literacy in healthcare , and reminiscence therapy . Her work bridges clinical practice with pedagogical innovation, exploring how techniques from service industries (e.g., Disney's hospitality model) can enhance patient satisfaction and communication in healthcare settings. Article Trends Her publications and presentations demonstrate a consistent emphasis on improving clinical outcomes through structured interventions like mind mapping for education, relaxation therapy for post-operative care, and concept mapping for knowledge organization. Key themes include patient safety , workplace culture , and interdisciplinary applications in nursing. Scientific Awards She is a member of the prestigious Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society , recognizing her contributions to nursing scholarship. Additional Contributions Dr. Doas has served on the Business Faculty Search Committee (2008) and presented on diverse topics such as food handling safety in environmental science contexts and nursing career advocacy at high school outreach events.

Gan Sheuo HuiView profile

Lecturer

• Japanese Anime
• Manga Studies
• Animation Aesthetics
• +5 more

Dr. Gan Sheuo Hui serves as Lecturer in Animation at LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore, with extensive international engagement through visiting positions at National University of Singapore (NUS), Kyoto Seika University, and the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures. Her academic profile bridges Japanese animation scholarship with Southeast Asian cultural contexts through fieldwork-driven research. Her educational qualifications include: PhD in Human and Environmental Studies from Kyoto University, Japan Master of Communication (Screen Studies) from University of Science Malaysia Bachelor of Communication (Film Studies) from University of Science Malaysia Dr. Gan's research examines Japanese anime, manga, and popular culture through lenses of authorship, censorship, and cultural hybridity, with particular focus on transnational adaptations in Southeast Asia. She integrates theoretical frameworks with empirical fieldwork involving creators, curators, and fans across Asia and the West, emphasizing practical production aspects alongside critical analysis. Her interdisciplinary approach connects film studies, media theory, and cultural anthropology. Her scholarly trajectory reveals consistent exploration of animation aesthetics (especially limited/selective animation), historical evolution of Japanese animation, and hybrid cultural forms in Southeast Asia. Key thematic threads include re-evaluating animation techniques beyond Western paradigms, analyzing global anime circulation, and documenting local adaptations of manga in Malaysia. This body of work demonstrates strong methodological integration of archival research, industry analysis, and ethnographic observation. Scientific recognition includes: Two-year Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Grant for postdoctoral research on Japanese anime history Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures Fellowship Dr. Gan has secured competitive research funding including the JSPS grant, and maintains active international collaboration through invited lectures at institutions like Sorbonne, Tokyo University, and Keio University across 20+ countries. Her teaching innovations include NUS modules incorporating Japan-based field studies, reflecting her commitment to experiential learning in Japanese visual culture. While specific student advising isn't detailed, her pedagogy emphasizes creator-fan industry ecosystems. Her research network spans the Archive Center for Anime Studies (Niigata University), Kyoto Seika University's Manga Department, and global symposia, facilitating cross-institutional knowledge exchange on animation history and contemporary media practices.

Claudia WagnerView profile

Professor

• Computational Social Science
• Algorithmic Fairness
• Digital Behavioral Data
• +7 more

Claudia Wagner is a full professor for Applied Computational Social Sciences at RWTH Aachen University and the Scientific Director of the Computational Social Science department at GESIS—Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences. She is also an External Faculty member at the Complexity Science Hub Vienna. Her work bridges computer science and the social sciences to study algorithmic systems and their societal impacts. Her research focuses on socio-technical phenomena such as inequality, sexism, and perception bias in algorithmically infused societies. She investigates methodological challenges in using digital behavioral data to study human behavior, attitudes, and group dynamics. Her interests span computational social science, algorithmic fairness, network science, and AI ethics. The analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on bias, fairness, and methodological rigor in digital data analysis. Her work spans AI psychometrics, gender inequality in online platforms, and validation frameworks for digital traces. She frequently publishes in top-tier venues such as Nature , Science , and AAAI conferences. DOC-fFORTE fellowship from the Austrian Academy of Sciences Four best paper awards at international conferences (ICWSM, CSCW, WWW, AAAI) Associate Editor, EPJ Data Science Steering Committee Member, International AAAI Conference on Web and Social Media Board Member, International Society for Computational Social Science Claudia Wagner has led and co-led substantial research projects funded by national and international agencies. She mentors a diverse group of PhD students working on topics like algorithmic bias, data quality, and dehumanization. She has organized training events such as the CSS Methods Summer School and delivered keynotes globally on inequality and computational social science. She leads the Computational Social Science department at GESIS and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams at RWTH Aachen and the Complexity Science Hub. Her group develops tools for measuring algorithmic impacts and visualizing disparities in socio-technical systems, such as the 'Planets of Disparity' dashboard.

Lesley G.A. de Putter-SmitsView profile

Assistant Professor

• STEM Education
• Teacher Education
• Continuing Teacher Professional Development
• +3 more

Lesley G.A. de Putter-Smits is an Assistant Professor and teacher educator at the Eindhoven School of Education (ESoE), affiliated with Eindhoven University of Technology . Her work focuses on STEM education , teacher education , and continuing teacher professional development with an emphasis on student-centred learning environments and social scientific issues. Education : MSc in Chemistry (Utrecht University, 2000), PDEng in Process and Product Design (TU/e, 2003) Roles : Physics teacher (2003-2012), Chemistry teacher educator (2012-present), Assistant Professor (2014-present), Manager ESA (2019-2022) Her research explores engaging science learning environments , leveraging generative AI , virtual reality , and inquiry-based learning . Recent publications analyze PhET simulations , student-generated drawings , and interdisciplinary science projects . She has contributed to chemistry courses for Radboud University Nijmegen and is active in editorial work for European Journal of STEM Education . Scientific Awards : 3e Prijs 'Beste artikel VELON tijdschrift' (2019)

Emma MartinView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Museology
• Tibetan Studies
• Materiality
• +6 more

Emma Martin is Senior Lecturer in Museology at the University of Manchester's School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, where she serves as Associate Director for Research (Impact and Knowledge Exchange). With over 25 years of professional experience including 17 years as Senior Curator for National Museums Liverpool (2003-2020), her work bridges academic research and museum practice. Her current research focuses on colonial-era Tibetan collections, contemporary museum activism, and dissident curatorial practices in exile contexts. Dr. Martin's research interests sit at the critical intersection of colonialism, Tibetan Studies, and material culture studies. She examines how colonial-era museum collections continue to shape contemporary representations of Tibet while exploring pathways for Tibetan agency in museum decision-making. Her practice-led research includes serving as curatorial advisor to the Dalai Lama Centre for Tibetan and Ancient Indian Wisdom (2024-25) and leading the development of the Tibet Museum for the Central Tibetan Administration (2017-2023). She co-convenes the international Tibetan Materiality Network, fostering cross-border collaboration on Himalayan material culture research. Her publication trends reveal a sustained focus on decolonizing museum practices through historical analysis of Tibetan material culture. Early work examined colonial collecting networks and diplomatic gift exchanges, while recent publications address contemporary issues like digital sovereignty, museum representation of diaspora communities, and dissident curatorial methodologies. Her scholarship consistently connects archival research with practical museum interventions, demonstrating how historical understanding can inform ethical contemporary practice. Fellow, Royal Asiatic Society Fellow, Higher Education Academy Dr. Martin has supervised four completed PhDs and currently mentors five doctoral students working on topics spanning South Asian, Himalayan, and Tibetan museology. Her research project "Object Lessons from Tibet and the Himalayas" involves international collaboration with institutions in Copenhagen and explores how material culture can challenge colonial narratives. Her impact work includes developing new museological approaches for representing Tibet, referenced in Wikipedia and cited by policy makers addressing cultural restitution. She leads the Tibetan Materiality Network connecting European and Asian researchers, and her current monograph "The Dissident Museum: Oppositional Curating at the Tibet Museum" (Routledge) documents innovative curatorial practices developed during the Tibet Museum project. Her external roles include curatorial advisory positions with Tibetan cultural institutions and examination duties at UCL and University of Westminster.

Neema KudvaView profile

Professor

• Equitable Planning
• Small Cities
• Urban Theory
• +11 more

Neema Kudva is a Professor in the Department of City and Regional Planning at Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP). She is currently on leave but remains actively involved in research and academic leadership. She serves as Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, House Professor and Dean at Becker House, and co-chair of the AAP Council for Diversity & Inclusion. She is also a faculty affiliate of the South Asia Program, a fellow at the Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, and a field member in public affairs, Asian studies, development sociology, and visual studies. Education: Dip.Arch., School of Architecture CEPT, Ahmedabad, India (1989) M.Arch./M.C.P., University of California–Berkeley Ph.D., University of California–Berkeley (2001) Neema Kudva’s research centers on equitable planning, institutional structures for development, small cities in the Global South, and participatory planning. Her work emphasizes community-based engagement, sustainability, and social policy, with significant focus on South Asia. She leads the Nilgiris Field Learning Center in Kotagiri, India, a transdisciplinary collaboration between Cornell and the Keystone Foundation, fostering engaged learning and research. Her pedagogical innovations include citizenship and sustainability planning experiments. Her recent publications reflect a strong interdisciplinary focus on urban transformations, land dispossession, conservation, and justice. Themes across her work include spatial equity, decolonial planning, informal urbanism, and NGO roles in development. She explores how everyday practices and exceptional events shape just and sustainable urban futures. Scientific Awards and Fellowships: Kendall S. Carpenter Memorial Advising Award, Cornell University (2015) Senior long term research fellow, American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS), Chicago and Delhi (2017) Neema Kudva has secured multiple grants for engaged research and curriculum development, particularly through Engaged Cornell and the Mario Einaudi Center. She has advised numerous students, recognized through her advising award, and collaborates extensively across disciplines and institutions, including Syracuse University and the Keystone Foundation. Her leadership in academic affairs and residential education underscores her commitment to holistic student development. She is deeply involved in transdisciplinary labs and teams, especially through the Nilgiris Field Learning Center, which integrates education, research, and practice in conservation and spatial justice. This field-based collaboratory exemplifies her commitment to community-engaged scholarship and sustainable development.

Charles C. DavisView profile

Professor

• Plant Systematics
• Phylogenomics
• Biodiversity Conservation
• +8 more

Charles C. Davis is a Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University and Curator of Vascular Plants in the Harvard University Herbaria. He leads the Davis Lab, focusing on plant diversity through integrative research in systematics, paleobiology, ecology, and molecular biology. His work emphasizes phylogenetic theory, biogeography, and the application of herbarium collections to address global change challenges. Davis is particularly noted for leveraging herbarium specimens to study plant responses to climate change, phenology, and biodiversity patterns. Research interests include plant-insect interactions, genome architecture evolution in parasitic plants, and the ethical use of herbarium specimens. His lab has pioneered high-throughput phylogenomic pipelines (e.g., PhyloHerb) and explored the future of herbaria in the digital age. Collaborations span global institutions, emphasizing digitization, spectral imaging, and AI-driven analysis of biodiversity data. Recent work highlights the impact of anthropogenic change on plant communities, the role of phenology in species survival, and strategies to mitigate collecting biases in herbaria. Davis teaches courses on plant systematics and evolution, and his lab actively participates in public engagement through exhibits like the HMNH’s *In Search of Thoreau’s Flowers*. His research has been featured in *Trends in Ecology & Evolution*, *Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution*, and *Current Biology*, with a focus on advancing methodologies for biodiversity science while addressing ethical challenges in specimen sampling.

Steven BradlowView profile

Professor

• Differential Geometry
• Gauge Theory
• Algebraic Geometry
• +3 more

Steven Bradlow is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on differential geometry, gauge theory, algebraic geometry, and topology, with particular emphasis on Higgs bundles, moduli spaces, and geometric structures. He holds a PhD from the University of Chicago (1988) and has held additional campus roles as a Professor of Mathematics. Research Interests: Bradlow’s work explores advanced topics such as holomorphic vector bundles, stability conditions, and geometric invariant theory. His studies of Higgs bundles integrate techniques from algebraic geometry, differential geometry, and mathematical physics, addressing questions related to moduli spaces, spectral curves, and representation varieties. He investigates exotic components of surface group representations and their connections to Teichmüller theory, contributing to the broader understanding of geometric structures and their topological properties. Recent Work Trends: Recent publications highlight his focus on Cayley correspondences, higher rank Teichmüller spaces, and uniformization techniques for branched surfaces. His collaborative projects often bridge algebraic and differential geometry, with applications to gauge theories and geometric analysis. He has also contributed to editorial work honoring peers like Karen Uhlenbeck and Oscar García-Prada. Grants & Advising: While specific grant details are not listed, Bradlow has been involved in NSF-funded initiatives (e.g., EMSW21-MCTP, RNMS: Geometric Structures). His advising contributions are reflected in co-authored works with students/postdocs such as Brian Collier and Oscar García-Prada. He is associated with research networks exploring geometric representation theory and mathematical collaborations. Labs/Teams: Active within UIUC’s Department of Mathematics, Bradlow collaborates with researchers in geometry and topology. His work often intersects with interdisciplinary groups studying geometric structures, though specific lab affiliations are not detailed here.

• Natural Language Processing
• Data Mining
• Data Management
• +4 more

Kevin Chenchuan Chang is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), affiliated with the FORWARD Data Lab and the Data and Information Systems Laboratories. His research focuses on bridging structured and unstructured data through natural language processing, data mining, machine learning, and information retrieval, with applications in web search, social media analytics, and knowledge acquisition. He co-founded Cazoodle and developed GrantForward.com, a funding discovery platform used by leading institutions globally. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University (2001), B.S. from National Taiwan University. Professional roles include service on program committees for SIGMOD, VLDB, KDD, and NeurIPS, as well as editorial roles for PVLDB, TKDE, and the Encyclopedia of Database Systems. His awards include the ICDE 10-Year Test of Time Award (2022), NSF CAREER Award (2002), and multiple UIUC teaching excellence recognitions. He teaches courses such as CS 411 (Database Systems), CS 598 KCC (Understanding LLMs), and CS 511 (Advanced Data Management). Research contributions span graph algorithms (e.g., Geom-GCN, SimRank), social network analysis (ROSE), and NLP (DEER, Open Relation Modeling). The FORWARD Lab emphasizes real-world impact through systems like GrantForward and tools for analyzing large-scale data.

Hilary CreminView profile

Professor

• Peace Education
• Conflict Resolution in Schools and Communities
• Embodiment in Education
• +3 more

Dr. Hilary Cremin is the Head of the Faculty of Education at the University of Cambridge and holds the rank of Professor. Her work centers on peace education, conflict transformation, and innovative methodologies such as photo-voice, poetry, and autoethnography. She chairs the Cambridge Peace Education Research Group (CPERG), which promotes research and practice in peace education through seminars and online resources. Her research explores the intersection of education and peacebuilding, emphasizing ethical and embodied approaches to conflict resolution in schools and communities. Education : PhD in Education, University of Leicester PGCE, University of Oxford (Wolfson College) BA (Hons) in French and European Literature, University of Warwick Research Interests : Hilary’s work addresses global challenges in education and peacebuilding, including: Developing transrational approaches to peace education Reducing epistemic violence through reflexive methodologies Empowering youth through restorative justice and civic pedagogy Exploring embodiment and arts-based practices in educational research Awards : Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts Leadership and Service : In addition to her academic role, Hilary serves as Chair of the Degree Committee in the Faculty of Education and has extensive experience as a mediator and educational consultant. She has collaborated with schools, communities, and international organizations to advance conflict transformation and peacebuilding initiatives. Labs/Teams : Cambridge Peace Education Research Group (CPERG) — fostering global dialogue and practical resources for peace education researchers and practitioners.

Rebecca A. KobrinView profile

Associate Professor

• immigration history
• urban studies
• business history
• +3 more

Rebecca A. Kobrin serves as the Russell and Bettina Knapp Associate Professor of American Jewish History at Columbia University, actively contributing to scholarship and pedagogy as of 2025. Her research bridges immigration history, urban studies, and Jewish diaspora studies, with leadership in the award-winning Historical NYC Project that digitally reconstructs New York City's demographic evolution from 1850 to 1940. Her academic credentials include: Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania (2002) M.S. Ed. from University of Pennsylvania, School of Education (2000) M.A. from University of Pennsylvania (1995) B.A. from Yale University (1994) Professor Kobrin's research interrogates the socioeconomic dimensions of East European Jewish migration through interdisciplinary lenses, examining financial networks, urban spatial dynamics, and transnational philanthropy. Her work reveals how immigrant communities navigated economic vulnerability while maintaining diasporic connections, particularly through landsmanshaftn (mutual aid societies) and cross-border capital flows. Digital humanities methodologies enhance her analysis of urban settlement patterns and demographic shifts. Her scholarly output demonstrates consistent focus on Jewish immigrant economic agency, with recurring themes of financial failure, gendered household economies, and diaspora responses to geopolitical upheavals like the 1905 Russian Revolution. Publications frequently analyze Yiddish press representations of Eastern European cities and transnational philanthropy during interwar crises. Major recognitions include: Jordan Schnitzer Prize (2012) for Jewish Bialystok and Its Diaspora Columbia University’s Lenfest Distinguished Faculty Award (2015) American Jewish Historical Society’s Wasserstein Prize (2013) Shoah Foundation Teaching Award (2012) National Jewish Book Awards Finalist (2010) Professor Kobrin’s mentorship earned Columbia’s Lenfest Award for graduate student guidance, supported by fellowships from the American Philosophical Society, ACLS, and Fulbright programs. Her current flagship initiative—the Historical NYC Project—secures multidisciplinary funding to visualize urban transformation through interactive cartography. As principal investigator, she directs collaborative research integrating historical archives with spatial analysis. The Historical NYC Project team unites historians, data scientists, and cartographers in creating an acclaimed digital platform mapping New York City’s demographic metamorphosis across 90 years, revealing how immigrant communities reshaped urban landscapes through settlement patterns and institutional development.

Paulo BliksteinView profile

Associate Professor

• Technology in Teaching and Learning
• Computer Modeling in Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Science and Mathematics Education
• +7 more

Paulo Blikstein is an Associate Professor of Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design at Teachers College, Columbia University. He holds affiliations with the Mathematics, Science & Technology department and the Communication, Media, and Learning Technologies Design program. His expertise spans curriculum design, digital innovation, science education, and educational technology. Dr. Blikstein earned a Ph.D. in Learning Sciences from Northwestern University (2009), M.Sc. in Media Arts & Sciences from MIT Media Lab (2002), and degrees in Engineering from the University of São Paulo (Brazil). His research focuses on leveraging technology to enhance learning through computational modeling, maker education, and tangible interfaces. He leads the Transformative Learning Technologies Lab and the FabLearn Program, which develop innovative tools like MoDa and PlayData, integrating computational thinking with real-world science experiments. His work emphasizes equitable access to technology-driven education, particularly in the Global South. Recent projects include deploying cloud labs for biology education, analyzing disinformation dynamics via agent-based models, and exploring how social media influences political radicalization. He critiques commercial education technology discourse through a critical pedagogy lens, advocating for culturally responsive, hands-on learning. Blikstein’s research bridges theory and practice, addressing systemic challenges in science education through participatory design with teachers and communities. His labs create sustainable educational technologies, such as DIY liquid handling robots and haptic feedback systems, to democratize STEM access. He also investigates computational identity formation in K-12 students and the role of making in fostering gender equity in STEM.

Ariella AzoulayView profile

Professor

• Photography Studies
• Political Theory
• Colonialism and Decoloniality
• +5 more

Ariella Aïsha Azoulay is a Professor of Comparative Literature and Modern Culture and Media at Brown University. Her work interrogates the intersections of photography, political philosophy, and decolonial praxis. She holds a PhD from Tel Aviv University (1997) and an MA from Université Paris VIII Saint Denis (1986). Her research focuses on photography’s political ontology, colonialism, and human rights discourses. Key works include Potential History: Unlearning Imperialism (2019), Civil Imagination: The Political Ontology of Photography (2012), and The Civil Contract of Photography (2008). She has curated exhibitions such as The Natural History of Rape (2022) and Enough! The Natural Violence of the New World Order (2016). Research Interests: Colonial archives, visual politics, decolonial methodologies, Palestinian liberation, and anti-imperial frameworks. Awards: Infinity Award (2002). Her teaching spans courses on colonialism, migration, and anti-colonial thought, including COLT 1815J: 1492 – Unlearning Single World Order and MCM 2100R: Potential History of Photography . She also directs film essays like Un-Documented: Undoing Imperial Plunder (2019) and The World Like a Jewel in the Hand (2022).

Bal Krishna SharmaView profile

Associate Professor

• Applied Linguistics
• Sociolinguistics
• Intercultural Communication
• +2 more

Bal Krishna Sharma is Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Idaho's College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences, with affiliate status at the Habib Institute for Asian Studies. His scholarship examines language globalization across education, tourism, and digital media contexts. Education credentials: Ph.D. in Second Language Studies, University of Hawaii at Manoa (2016) M.A. in Second Language Studies, University of Hawaii at Manoa (2011) M.Ed. in English Education, Tribhuvan University (2004) B.Ed. in English Education, Tribhuvan University (2001) Research explores: Neoliberal influences on language education Intercultural communication in tourism Translingual practices in digital spaces Multilingual policy in South Asia Recent publications analyze linguistic landscapes in pandemic communication, multilingual STEM education, and social media discourse in Nepal. His work integrates sociolinguistic theory with critical analysis of globalization. Teaches courses including Sociolinguistics, Intercultural Communication, and History of the English Language.